Nittany Lion watch

Offense — Tyler Ferguson: The early departures of Rob Bolden and Steven Bench, coupled with Matt McGloin's graduation, leaves Penn State with no experience at quarterback. O'Brien plans to name a new starter by week's end. Ferguson excelled last season at College of the Sequoias, while Hackenberg enters as a 5-star recruit. But both are teenagers. Penn State has talented skill players in tailback Zach Zwinak, receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Kyle Carter.

Defense — John Butler: After Ted Roof left for Georgia Tech, Butler was promoted to coordinator from defensive backs coach. He said little will change schematically, but Penn State lost six starters and is thin at linebacker.

Special teams — Sam Ficken: He rose from the lowest of the lows — 1-for-5 in field goals and a missed extra point in a 17-16 loss to Virginia — to nail his final 10 three-pointers, including a 37-yarder in overtime to beat Wisconsin on senior day.

Coach — Bill O'Brien: NCAA sanctions have left Penn State with just 65 scholarship players — a potential issue for the coverage teams and the physicality of practices. But the larger question is how O'Brien will continue to motivate a group that is ineligible for postseason play.